HD 6514 - Advanced Research Methods
Angela Huebner, Ph.D.
Phone: 703.538.8491 Fax: 703.538.8465
ahuebner@vt.edu
COURSE DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES:
This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to develop an understanding of the process of conducting qualitative research and the completion of a qualitative thesis proposal. The three primary objectives of this course are to prepare students to: (1) be competent consumers of qualitative research; (2) perform and interpret qualitative data analyses; and (3) produce quality qualitative research of their own. To accomplish these objectives, students will be required to read from selected books and papers relating to the philosophy of science, family theory, MFT research designs and methods, family measurement instruments, outcome research in family therapy, and a variety of special issues related to diversity such as gender and ethnicity. In addition to the readings, a number of projects are required to give students the opportunity to have "hands on" experience with reviewing published research, coding and analyzing data, and developing a scholarly research proposal.
REQUIRED TEXT AND READING LIST:
Creswell, J. (2007). Qualitative Inquiry & Research Design: Choosing Among Five Approaches (2nd Edition).
Sprenkle, D. H. & Piercy, F. P. (2005) (Eds.). Research methods in family therapy (2nd Edition).
Supplementary readings will be available from the Blackboard website for the course at http://learn.vt.edu
American Psychological Association. (2001). Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. (5th Rev. ed.).
REQUIREMENTS:
Your attendance and productive participation will be important aspects of the learning process. Therefore, you will need to read and be prepared to discuss and/or ask questions about the readings assigned each week. If you cannot attend a class, please notify Dr. Huebner via e-mail. Since class attendance is a key component of your learning, anyone who misses more than two classes for any reason will have their grade reduced one level (e.g. A to B).
ASSIGNMENTS:
NOTE: Unless prior arrangements have been made with the professor, your assignment grade will decrease 2 points for each day it is late.
1. Class Preparation and Participation (25 points). This includes having read materials prior to coming to class and contributing to class discussion.
2. IRB certification (25 points)
Every student will complete the IRB training certification tutorial. This is required prior to submitting and actual IRB request.
To access the Virginia Tech Human Research Participant Protections Tutorial, complete the following steps:
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Go to the Blackboard website
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Sign in using your PID
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Go to the "Courses" tab on top
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Click on "Browse Course Catalog" at the bottom right
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Type in "Virginia Tech Human Research Participant"
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Click "Enroll"
If you are having difficulty accessing this tutorial, contact Brandi Evans, Administrative Assistant, at (540) 231-4606 or bmdilday@vt.edu.
Successful completion of the tutorial requires a score of 70% or higher on the quiz at the end of the tutorial. Blackboard will automatically alert the IRB office of tutorials completed successfully. The IRB office will send a certificate of completion to all with passing scores via electronic mail.
3. Qualitative Coding Assignment (50 points). Will be explained in class.
The research proposal process will be discussed during class. Different portions of the proposal are due throughout the semester. Feedback will be given.
Introduction
Problem and setting
Significance
Theoretical framework
Purpose of study
Research questions/hypotheses
Literature review
Topic outline categories
Cite 5-6 major works in each area
Participants
Procedure/strategy
Plan for Analyses
Oral Presentation:
Oral presentation of your proposal will take the form of a proposal meeting where the student’s committee meets with the student to identify strengths and weaknesses in the proposal and to brainstorm ways to correct flaws. You will have 10-20 minutes to present your study and 10-20 minutes to get feedback. Prepare a short handout (1 page) outlining your study to facilitate their being able to help you (this is required). Your presentation should include a brief description of the problem and why your proposed study will be useful (2-3 minutes). However, the primary focus should be on the methods you will use to reach your objectives. Your presentation, including the handout, will be graded for organization, clarity and completeness (20 points).
5. Final Exam (100 pts)
This exam will be completed in class.
NOTE: Lateness will result in a reduction (up to 10%) in grade. We encourage you to talk with your colleagues about research ideas, your thoughts about your proposals. Of course, final written projects will be a result of your own work. You are also strongly encouraged to meet with me to discuss your ideas and ask questions as needed. All written assignments should be typed and completed in APA format to receive full credit.
GRADES
Grades will be based on the quality of work on the above assignments and exams (total points = 300).
Grading scale:
A = 95% - 100% (288-300 pts) B- = 81% - 83% (243-251 pts)
A- = 91% - 94% (273-287 pts) C+ = 78% - 80% (234-242 pts)
B+ = 88% - 90% (264-272 pts) C = 74% - 77% (222-233 pts)
B = 84% - 87% (252-263 pts) C- = 71% - 73% (213-221 pts)
Published by admin on September 18 of 2008
